This is an excellent documentary for any movie buff. This is because although we love directors, actors and perhaps even producers, folks almost never stop to think about the casting director--the person whose job it is to find talent, appropriate talent, for all the film roles. The story primarily focuses on Marion Dougherty and how she created the position while working for Kraft Theater on television and follows her through her brilliant career. It also focus to a lesser extend on Lynn Stahlmaster who created this sort of role in Hollywood. It's all very, very informative and it was very touching hearing folks talking so fondly of Marion and crediting so much of their success to her. The only thing you DON'T learn is anything about her personal life or those of the other casting directors. And, when you look them up on IMDb, there really isn't much more than their names. Interesting...as if IMDb hasn't noticed or appreciated these folks as well...so perhaps they should see "Casting By".
It's nice to see this film, as often the perception is that Hollywood is so selfish and narcissistic, yet here so many 'heavy hitters' make themselves available for interviews and attribute so much of their success to the casting directors and in particular, Marion.
Superb and well worth seeing.
It's nice to see this film, as often the perception is that Hollywood is so selfish and narcissistic, yet here so many 'heavy hitters' make themselves available for interviews and attribute so much of their success to the casting directors and in particular, Marion.
Superb and well worth seeing.